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THE SECOND MEETING of the INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS Nairobi,
Kenya |
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The second session of the International Negotiating Committee (INC-2) for an International Legally Binding Instrument for Implementing International Action on Certain Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) was held from 25-29 January 1999 in Nairobi, Kenya. Delegates from over 100 countries, as well as representatives from UN agencies, environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and industry, convened to further consider possible elements of an international legally binding instrument on an initial list of twelve POPs grouped into three categories: 1) pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene; 2) industrial chemicals: hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and 3) unintended byproducts: dioxins and furans. Overall, many delegates characterized INC-2 as a success. Given the early stages of the negotiation process, this success can perhaps be attributed to preexisting global consensus on the hazards of POPs and the solid foundation from which negotiations began. (Continued in the Summary issue) |
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from the Closing Plenary |
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UNEP Executive Director Dr. Klaus Töpfer reiterated that the 12 POPs listed for action in the mandate from the UNEP Governing Council are truly the "dirty dozen" as they are toxic, persistent, travel long distances and build up through the food chain. He said POPs must be stopped and a global solution must be reached by the year 2000. |
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Taking
advantage of Topfer's presence, Chair Buccini welcomed him into the
POPs Club by presenting him with an honorary pin, Töpfer in return
donated a penny to the POPs Club for good luck.
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In reaction to text reflecting support for the concept of differentiated responsibilities, the US proposed adding a sentence supporting the concept of shared responsibility reflected in the PIC Convention as more appropriate. CHINA (shown here) asserted that this sentiment is not widely shared. |
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Chair
John Buccini noted his appreciation for the positive way delegates
worked and interacted at INC-2, and gaveled the meeting to a close
at 8:00 pm.
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Special Interview
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In this exclusive interview Mr. Jack Weinberg of Greenpeace International, speaks with Laura Ivers of the ENB. Mr. Weinberg responded to and commented on the following questions:
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What are the major outcomes of INC-2?For the complete selection of images and RealAudio please go to the day's page:
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© Earth Negotiations Bulletin, 1999. All rights reserved.